Ding-dong.

[A new accolade from the centaur race has been created for you.]
[New Accolade, <Never Underestimate Humans Again> has been created.]

“Wow.”

The sound pleasantly ringing in his ears.

The message vividly appearing before his eyes.

These moments were the most rewarding.

A sense of achievement blossomed within him.

Lloyd felt a warm sense of satisfaction as he read the details of the accolade.

<Never Underestimate Humans Again>
[Accolade Grade: Regional Folklore]
Steadily trotting along.

Jogging steadily throughout the day—morning, noon, and evening—a peculiar figure moved. This individual, equipped with only two legs and an ungainly, wobbling stride, maintained a pace that could bore a foal yet outpaced quadrupeds. They traversed expansive plains and ventured into human territories. Ultimately, the fastest arrival underscored a swiftness surpassing even the seemingly swift. Curious about adopting this method? Consider starting with a 600-kilometer run to the south.

[Accolade Effect: You have introduced a new era of long-distance running to the centaur race with your extraordinary perseverance and stamina. Not only a few centaurs who witnessed the event, but even your centaur champion opponent acknowledged your technique sincerely. Thanks to this, your fame will spread to every corner of the great plains, and a new method of running that conserves energy will become popular among young centaurs. Additionally, you now possess the <Fuel Efficiency> passive option, reducing your energy expenditure by half when your heart rate exceeds 140 beats per minute in an area of at least 1,000 square meters.]
[Accolade Area: Entire Klamath Great Plains, flat terrains larger than 1,000㎡]
[Accolade Duration: 160 years]
[The effect of the accolade is applicable 24 hours within the area and duration of the accolade. Furthermore, the area and duration where you receive accolades can expand, extend, or contract based on your future actions.]
[CP Provided Monthly by Accolade: 2]

[Current CP Held: 1,477]

“Ha ha ha.”

After reviewing the accolade’s options, Lloyd couldn’t help but chuckle.

It was inevitable.

The benefits brought by this new accolade.

The features of this option were beyond his expectations.

“Isn’t this something? With a heart rate over 140 beats per minute, on an open plain over a thousand square meters, energy expenditure is halved?”

At first glance, the activation conditions seemed complicated.

But upon a little reflection?

They were surprisingly lenient.

“Of course. A heart rate of 140 beats per minute is easily achieved with a bit of intense exercise. Plus, flat terrains over 100 meters in length and width are quite common.”

Thus, if these two fairly generous conditions were met?

The Fuel Efficiency option would automatically activate.

Meaning energy expenditure would be halved.

“Sweet deal, this.”

Useful in any crisis or unexpected situation in the future.

With these thoughts, Lloyd lifted his head and addressed Comanche, who lay exhausted.

“Please wait here a moment while I return the borrowed items and people to their places.”

It was time to return the proof of his victory to Comanche—the Magentano Kingdom’s northern border guard captain’s inauguration commemorative mug, rank insignia and identity card, toothbrush, ceremonial sword and family banner, and his hostess.

He summoned Ggoming, feeding it a red sunflower seed. After returning the items and the captain’s wife, he reunited with Comanche. Assisting the weary Comanche, he placed him atop Ggoming. Javier, who had kept a discreet distance, joined them as well. Now a trio—two humans and one centaur—they squeezed together but energetically made their way back to their origin, the village named Charcoal Breeze.

He announced their victory to everyone.

“…through such a process and a fierce competition, I reached the finish line first. Right?”

“Yes. I acknowledge my defeat. Human Lloyd Frontera is the winner of this competition.”

Lloyd and Comanche’s declaration.

The centaur tribesmen’s eyes widened.

All were in disbelief at the unexpected outcome.

But Lloyd was relentless.

Whether they were confused or not.

He did not forget to secure the spoils of victory.

“Now, everyone, pay attention!”

Lloyd’s voice captured the attention of the murmuring centaur tribesmen.

As all eyes and ears focused on him, he declared as if he had been waiting for this moment.

“Anyway, as you can see, the competition has been decided. Yes, indeed. Mr. Comanche here was the proud three-time consecutive champion of the centaur tribe, and I was faster than Mr. Comanche.”

“…”

Silence fell on everyone.

Someone swallowed dryly.

And they all wondered what this human was going to say next.

An ominous and uncomfortable premonition emerged.

Lloyd continued.

“Yes, I am faster than Mr. Comanche. Therefore, I am faster than everyone here. Faster than all centaurs in the world. But you all remember, right? The statement Mr. Comanche made just before this competition started.”

A significant smile bloomed on Lloyd’s lips.

And everyone’s ominous premonition became reality.

“Centaurs do not listen to those slower than themselves. Is that correct?”

“…”

“Is it?”

“…”

“Hmm? Is everyone asleep in the barn?”

“…”

“Well, since there’s no answer, I’ll answer for you. Yes, Mr. Comanche definitely said that. But since I am faster than all of you, the conclusion is, from now on, all the gentlemen and ladies of the centaur race across this great plain should heed my words.”

Thud.

Everyone’s hearts sank.

But regardless, Lloyd’s calm declarations continued.

“So, I shall set some rules. From now on, the rules I will tell you are not only for the territory of the Charcoal Breeze tribe but for every centaur living in the Klamath Great Plains, young and old.”

Lloyd glanced around at everyone gathered in the clearing.

His significant smile deepened.

And then, what felt like a bolt from the blue to the centaur race was declared.

“First rule. Full-speed galloping within the village is hereby prohibited.”

“What!”

“No, how can—”

As soon as Lloyd’s declaration was made, young centaurs jumped up.

But no matter.

Whether they were too shocked to somersault or spin on their heads.

Lloyd continued as if it didn’t concern him at all.

“Second rule. Competitions for courtship must only be held in the ‘Colosseum’ that will now be constructed.”

“…”

This time, no one jumped up.

Did they agree with Lloyd’s declaration?

Not at all.

It was Lloyd’s brazen attitude.

His no-nonsense, uncompromising stance.

From these attitudes, they instantly realized that negotiating was not an option.

Thus, Lloyd’s words were not a discussion but a notification.

Not a dialogue but a decree.

Even his final, confirmatory statement seemed to nail it down.

“So, I ask. Does anyone disagree with the rules I have set?”

“…”

“Of course, there won’t be any. Because you are all slower than me.”

“…”

“If it feels unjust, challenge me and prove you’re faster.”

“…”

Everyone realized again.

Challenging this human would be futile.

Even if they did, they would end up defeated just like Comanche.

The reason was simple.

‘He’d use the right of the challenged to set the finish line wherever he wants! Then he’ll say let’s run another 600 kilometers!’

Everyone shivered.

Could there be another human as dirty, sneaky, mean, and crafty enough to turn even the emperor of maneuver warfare into a patient?

‘Or is this just typical of humans?’

If that were the case, it would be troubling.

That would be too frightening.

Suddenly, the thought sent shivers down their spines.

But there was nothing they could do.

Dirty and mean, yet truly crafty to the bone.

There was no way to refuse what this human said.

They couldn’t think of a way to win.

Thus, everyone reluctantly nodded.

Lloyd, having gotten everyone’s agreement (?), dashed off to the chief’s barn with flying eyebrows.

“…through such a process, I convinced everyone.”

“Convinced?”

“Yes.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“Hmm, I have eyes and ears, though.”

“Then you saw and heard even better.”

“…Tsk. I didn’t expect such a despicable strategy.”

“Anyway, as I’ve cleared the chief’s concerns, everyone agreed to abide by the safe driving rules. Not just the Charcoal Breeze tribe but all centaurs across this great plain.”

“Well, I must acknowledge that point. Truly impressive.”

Chief Cherokan was genuinely amazed.

So amazed, in fact, a rueful smile spread across his face.

“You were so confident about convincing everyone, I wondered what means you would use, but I never expected you’d propose such a brutish distance to run. Nor did I know you’d actually win.”

“Was that so?”

“It was. Honestly. That’s why it was surprising. Anyway, you’ve kept your promise, so now it’s my turn.”

“Yes, thank you. Here, please sign this.”

Flap!

Lloyd quickly pulled out a document as soon as the chief finished speaking.

The chief’s eyebrows twitched.

“…What’s this?”

“A construction contract.”

“Construction… contract?”

“Yes.”

Quickly nodding.

He slickly moistened his lips and said.

“Didn’t you write a conditional contract with me a few days ago? If I successfully convince the local tribespeople, you would accept my proposal to commission construction, or something like that.”

“That, that’s right.”

“So, this document confirms the content of that conditional contract.”

“This thing you’re handing me?”

“Yes. You have to keep your promise.”

“…”

Do all humans do this?

Chief Cherokan felt slightly bewitched as he stamped the contract.

It was a contract stating that if Lloyd built the circuit-like Colosseum, the chief would reveal the location of the valuable material ‘Taupo.’

Finally, a smile of great satisfaction spread across Lloyd’s face.

“Good. You’ve made a wise choice.”

“So, are we starting construction now?”

“Yes, we should. Here, as stated in the contract, you need to provide the labor and materials I request as earnestly as possible.”

“Alright. That Colosseum or whatever it’s called, if we’re building it, let’s do it right.”

“Just leave it to me.”

He left the barn with loud boasts.

He could only exhale the breath he had been holding afterward.

“…Phew.”

He had finally secured the construction of the Colosseum.

But there was no time to soothe his heart.

No time to relieve the accumulated fatigue.

‘Relieve fatigue? Nonsense! Work, work!’

A fruitful life must be built.

For that, a solid foundation is necessary.

And his foundation?

The Frontera estate.

To develop that place robustly?

He had to block the damn phenomenon of fate restoration first.

Thus, there was no time to rest.

Until the day he could enjoy a leisurely and prosperous life, savoring the sweet life.

Hoping that day would come even a day sooner.

He resolved to live earnestly today.

And with that, he immediately started the survey work.

Fortunately, places to build the Colosseum were plentiful.

After all, the area was entirely flat in every direction.

Additionally, the region had low rainfall, so there were hardly any concerns about drainage.

‘If only all construction could be done here every day!’

…Such comments were inevitable.

Moreover, he didn’t particularly plan to construct this project as grandly as the ancient Roman Colosseum.

‘Unnecessary. Just need to build a track where they can safely and freely run at full throttle, separate from everyday spaces.’

That was the core of this construction.

Thus, the Colosseum he was about to build would be structured more like a modern-day race track or racetrack, rather than the ancient architectural marvel.

‘So, take a generous total site area. Make the track robust. Spaces where spectators can safely stay and watch the matches will go here.’

He also designed various other spaces.

Spaces for centaurs participating in the competition to wait.

Spaces to cool down and rest after intense matches.

Or spaces for emergency medical treatment in case of accidents.

He anticipated various situations and needs, imagined the layout, and made practical designs.

‘Especially the track they’ll run on during the competition is crucial. It’s directly related to safety. At the same time, it’d be problematic if it required much maintenance, so it needs to be durable and long-lasting.’

He designed meticulously.

Tested obsessively.

Worked tirelessly, even postponing sleep.

After ten days, two weeks passed.

Dark circles settled under his eyes, and the Colosseum designs were completed.

‘Now it’s time to stop time.’

To save time during the construction period.

Finally, it was time to use time freeze.